Still Life with Yellow Hat 1885

Here we see Vincent van Gogh’s still life with a yellow hat, rendered with oil on canvas. We get a glimpse into the artist's world, but more importantly, into the broader social context of 19th-century France. The objects depicted—the hat, pots, and bottle—speak volumes about the everyday life and values of the working class. Van Gogh was drawn to the lives of ordinary people, often painting them as a way to ennoble them. But his interest wasn’t merely aesthetic. He was inspired by socialist thinkers, and he saw art as a way of challenging the social hierarchies of his time. To truly understand Van Gogh's work, we need to explore his letters, delve into the history of socialism in France, and consider the impact of industrialization on rural life. We need to see him as a man of his time, grappling with the pressing social issues, just like you and me.